Chapter 13 - THE WOMAN WHO CHOSE HER OWN FUTURE
Six months later, I enrolled in an interior design certification program.
I continued working part-time at the estate.
But my life was changing.
I had classes.
Projects.
New friends.
And a future that belonged to me.
Adrian supported me.
Not by controlling my decisions.
But by encouraging me to make them.
One afternoon, I presented my first major design project.
A renovation proposal for the estate's unused conservatory.
Warm wood.
Soft lighting.
Plants.
Comfortable furniture.
A place where people could sit without feeling watched.
Adrian studied the drawings.
Then smiled.
"It's beautiful."
I looked down.
"Really?"
He nodded.
"Really."
I swallowed.
"Thank you."
He leaned back.
"Claire."
"Yes?"
"Would you consider taking the project professionally?"
I stared.
"You mean hiring me?"
"Through a proper contract. Independent rates. Your own schedule."
I smiled.
"You're serious."
"Very."
I considered.
Then nodded.
"All right."
Adrian smiled.
And something warm passed between us.
Not obligation.
Not gratitude.
May you like
Something deeper.
Something neither of us had yet named.
